My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

[lisaboo]

17 MORE DAYS!!!! :yea:

I can't believe that I am finally going to get to go to WDW. Since I have been a Disneyland fan all my life and have been over 50 times (pretty good for someone who doesn't live in SoCal) it is amazing that I have never been to WDW before. My fiance and I are doing it up big. Here is my itnerary:

Thursday, September 28th - 12:30 am - Fly redeye from Sacramento to Orlando arriving at 10:06 am. Check in at Magical Express to Animal Kingdom Lodge, pre-check-in and take Disney bus to Disney MGM Studios. Eat lunch at ABC Commisary. 5pm - Check-in at Hollywood & Vine for Fantasmic! Dinner Package. 8pm - See Fantasmic! and then immediately return to AKL to get room and collapse.

Friday, September 29th 8:30 am - Take bus to Epcot. Eat lunch at International Food & Wine Festival 7:20pm - Dinner at Le Cellier in Canada Pavillion. 9pm - See Illuminations

Saturday, September 30th 8:30 am - Take bus to Magic Kingdom. Lunch at Cosmic Ray's. 5:30 pm - Take monorail to Polynesian for 6:30 pm dinner at 'Ohana. Back to the park or to DTD/Pleasure Island/Disney Quest/minigolf after dinner.

Sunday, October 1st 8:30 am - Take bus to Animal Kingdom. Flame Tree BBQ for lunch. 5 pm head back to Lodge for 5:30 dinner at Boma. DTD/Pleasure Island/Disney Quest/minigolf after dinner.

Monday, October 2nd 7:30 am - Take bus to Animal Kingdom for EMH to catch the animals before they go to sleep for the day. Lunch at Tusker House. 2 pm - Back to Lodge to rest, have a quick dinner at Mara and put on costumes for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. 6 pm - Take bus to MK for MNSSHP!

Tuesday, October 3rd Sleep in and head to MK at about 11 am. Late lunch somewhere in the park (originally I had planned for Tomorrowland Noodle Station, but now that's not available ). 7 pm - Take monorail to Contemporary for 8pm dinner at California Grill, watch 9pm Wishes from restaurant.

Wednesday, October 4th Sleep in again and head to Epcot. Lunch at Food & Wine Festival again. 6:30 pm - Dinner at Les Chefs de France.

Thursday, October 5th 11:30 am - Fly to Indiana for my fiance's cousins wedding. Goodbye to WDW.

[BFIrrera]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

Everything sounds great. You should have a great time!

Quick suggestions: Monday Oct 2 - consider eating elsewhere instead of Tusker House. In my experience, it was the single worst meal I have ever had on Disney property. In fact, if you are already doing AK the day before, you'll likely finish the park that one day (I've never left AK later than 2:30pm). Consider taking an early morning at Epcot instead...you can spend it in the Living Seas and Innoventions, taking time to look at each of the exhibits, or even take the Behind the Seeds tour at the Land. Eat at Sunshine Seasons at the Land (or any of the countries)). Even though you are already planning a second full day at Epcot, I think you'll appreciate the slower pace of the day before partying all night at the Hallowe'en party!

Sunday, Oct 3 - you have no lunch specified in MK - since you are already planning to eat at Cosmic Ray's earlier in the trip, head over to Columbia Harbour House. If you don't care for the fried food offerings (fish and chips or chicken strips) they have a great half sandwich/cup of soup combo (with vegetarian chili or clam chowder!).

above all...take the time to appreciate the surroundings...don't just rush rush rush to get to the attractions. Slow down and appreciate the streetmosphere characters in all the parks. Watch a number of the shows throughout Epcot (World Showcase Players in UK, Off Kilter in Canada, Kristos in Future World and Matsuriza (the drummers) in Japan are amongst my favorites...but you may find others that appeal to you), chat with the many cast members (a good way to start is to get yourself a lanyard and some pins and start trading...you don't know what treasure you may find AND you may meet some interesting people from all around the country and the world), and make sure that at least one night is pencilled in for going to the ADVENTURER'S CLUB! It's my single favorite place on the whole property!

Don't just walk into the club and walk out...go downstairs, order a drink (they also have non-alcoholic choices), grab a seat and wait for a show in the library to begin...you'll be immersed in the world of the characters there (and be sure to loop around down the hallway and back to the main salon when a library show ends...they open the doors in the library to the outdoors at the end of the show just for the casual visitors who won't know better). If you are a fan of Disney magic...this is one of the most magical places you'll experience...and you may want to do it again and again!

[NVLAV8R]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

The AKL might actually have a room ready for you when you arrive. Which gives you the option of taking a nap before you hit The Studios. I second the motion about making sure you hit The Adventurers Club at Pleasure Island.

When you go to other resorts to eat, take extra time enjoy some of their details. Go to the Boardwalk resort area.

Since this is your first trip to WDW, I wouldn't waste time "sleeping in". You can sleep on the airplane and/or at home. Get out and see stuff.

[lisaboo]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

Wow, BFIrrera, thanks for all the GREAT tips. I was really hoping for some other suggestions for things to do and places to eat.

I definitely plan on going to the Adventurer's Club, I just didn't have a specific night planned out. Is there any night you would recommend over others? Less crowded, more performances, etc?

We also planned on having a leisurely pace to make sure to take everything in. And we will be flexible, other than our ressies at the counter service restaurants listed above and the Halloween party I am totally open to going with the flow and stopping to see performances or chatting with CMs, especially in Epcot.

We planned two days in the Animal Kingdom because we love animals (hence staying at the Lodge) and we figured we may take a lot of time just observing animals and not only riding the rides and seeing the shows. That's also why we want to go to EMH at Animal Kingdom because I want to make sure and catch them in earlier in the morning when they are more likely to be active. But we definitely want to add time to Epcot, I am actually thinking of changing Tuesday to a half day at Epcot and a half day elsewhere (maybe the Studios since we only have one day planned there).

Also I am happy to report that we will be meeting up with SummerinFL and other MCers on Saturday for lunch at Cosmic Rays...that should be big fun! I am excited to be able to work a MiceChat Meet into our trip!

NVLAV8R, thanks for your input too! I HOPE that AKL has our room ready, that would be so nice since I am sure we will be exhausted! I don't sleep well on planes, I was just figuring that my excitement at being at WDW would keep me awake. Heh! The thing about our sleeping in though is that I always get on my fiance about having to constantly go, go, go during our vacations so I built in a little time those two mornings to relax a little. Not necessarily sleep in, but maybe spend time at the pool, explore the hotel or whatnot. But if we get there and we are raring to go...then we will!

Thanks again! I appreciate the tips and welcome as many as I can get!

[SummerInFL]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

Nice schedule! You will be very tired that first day I can tell. LOL

Have a fabulous time at Ohana, let me know what you think, I have always wanted to eat there but never had the chance.

Can't wait to see ya!

[yoyoflamingo]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

Ohana's is great! A must eat! Also, I love Tusker House. Some of the best fast food in WDW, in my opinion. Just trying to give you both sides of the coin to make your decision.

[figment1986]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

Sunday, October 1st 8:30 am - Take bus to Animal Kingdom. Flame Tree BBQ for lunch. 5 pm head back to Lodge for 5:30 dinner at Boma.

Great food... You will love it there

[lisaboo]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

Nice schedule! You will be very tired that first day I can tell. LOL

Have a fabulous time at Ohana, let me know what you think, I have always wanted to eat there but never had the chance.

Can't wait to see ya!

Yeah, I am sure I will be dead on my feet...but it will be necessary to stay up in order to adjust to the three hour time difference. I was in Atlanta in February for work and I never adjusted. I wasn't able to fall asleep until 3am and then I had to be up at 7...I was a zombie. I actually hope killing myself the first day will allow me to fall right to sleep when we get back to the hotel and be normal the rest of the time.

We'll see right? You may be laughing at me on Saturday when I come to lunch with huge bags under my eyes. :sleep:

Thanks everyone for the confirmation on the food choices. I am a little bit of a foodie so I researched a bunch of different books and sites. Hollywood & Vine wasn't a first choice but the only one available for the Fantasmic! package that night. Everything else I am super excited about.

I will certainly do a full trip report with dining reviews and pictures when I get home from Indiana on the 9th.

[Jerren]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

Ohana's is great! A must eat! Also, I love Tusker House. Some of the best fast food in WDW, in my opinion. Just trying to give you both sides of the coin to make your decision.

I agree 100% Ohanas is awsome and quite frankly Tusker house is the best conter service in AK, and better than most of the other parks as well.

[lisaboo]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

I agree 100% Ohanas is awsome and quite frankly Tusker house is the best conter service in AK, and better than most of the other parks as well.

Yay! Yeah, I am looking forward to the salmon at Tusker House. Both my fiance and I are salmon fiends!

Oh and 15 more days!! Aaaaah!

[Hakuna Makarla]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

Lisa.......... I want pics, and a more pics when you return of everything plane, airport, everything:beg: :beg: I may nevver in my life time get over to florida ; so I want to see everything, including your room and foods, and well you know EVERYTHING .:beg:

[yoyoflamingo]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

Yeah, I am sure I will be dead on my feet...but it will be necessary to stay up in order to adjust to the three hour time difference. I was in Atlanta in February for work and I never adjusted. I wasn't able to fall asleep until 3am and then I had to be up at 7...I was a zombie. I actually hope killing myself the first day will allow me to fall right to sleep when we get back to the hotel and be normal the rest of the time.

We'll see right? You may be laughing at me on Saturday when I come to lunch with huge bags under my eyes. :sleep:

Thanks everyone for the confirmation on the food choices. I am a little bit of a foodie so I researched a bunch of different books and sites. Hollywood & Vine wasn't a first choice but the only one available for the Fantasmic! package that night. Everything else I am super excited about.

I will certainly do a full trip report with dining reviews and pictures when I get home from Indiana on the 9th.

Hollywood and Vine is actually quite good also. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

[lisaboo]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

Never you fear Karla, I plan on taking massive amounts of pictures. It may be the only time I will get to WDW. At least it will be five or ten years before I can go again (yes, we have our major vacations mapped out for several years in the future...that and a wedding to pay for and a house to buy).

Good to hear about Hollywood and Vine especially since it will be our first sit-down meal at WDW.

[Hamlet Schmalzbach]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

Hey...I have said it many times before...but I really like AKL. Great food, really nice pool, animal's that hang out on the property and our room was perfect (this all coming from someone who also really loves WL.) Have a great time.

[lisaboo]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

THREE MORE DAYS!!! :yea::yea::yea::yea::yea:

I am seriously going to pass out from excitement. We bought new luggage (spinners, woohoo), I have my costume for MNSSHP, got fuzzy socks last night so I can be comfy sleeping on the plane and I will start packing tonight. Things seem to be going smoothly so far, let's hope nothing happens between now and then to make me freak out. I have been crazy busy at work but hopefully everything will stay on track and I will be able to go on vacation with a clear conscience.

I know it sounds cheesy to say but I don't think I will be able to help crying when Magical Express passes under the welcome sign. I cried being squished in the back of a minicab with my luggage zooming through the streets of London on my first trip out of the US, so I have no doubt that this experience will effect me the same way.

Any last minute advice?

[TDLFAN]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

What will be your Halloween costume at MNSSHP?

[lisaboo]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

What will be your Halloween costume at MNSSHP?

Heh, you totally won't like it. Not Disney. Being a plus size woman I just don't feel right distorting any of the typically lythe Disney characters. And I don't want to be Ursula or the Queen of Hearts, thank you very much. I thought about being Sally from NBC but figured there would be a few and I wanted to be at least a little unique. I am going to be a "dark" fairy, although I won't be wearing the wings for safety reasons. It's probably not going to stand out all that much. My fiance is going to be Marc Antony. Like I said, totally not Disney. Sorry. :blush:

[TDLFAN]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

Whether I like it or not, it's irrelevant. You still didn't answer what your costume will be. Besides, only TDL *requires* guests to dress up as Disney characters... See these photos:

http://www./Lotion-View-277.asp

I am going to go dressed at TDLFAN (preppy suit and tie, with nametag on the lapel, and notepad, taking notes about slips in quality).

[Speedway]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

Whether I like it or not, it's irrelevant. You still didn't answer what your costume will be. Besides, only TDL *requires* guests to dress up as Disney characters... See these photos:

http://www./Lotion-View-277.asp

I am going to go dressed at TDLFAN (preppy suit and tie, with nametag on the lapel, and notepad, taking notes about slips in quality).

TDLFAN... take me to Tokyo Disneyland... those Halloween pictures. Phwoar.

I'm sure you'd get in with that costume. You could hand out red slips to any Cast Members within 40 feet of litter and not seeing it's there. Oh wait... that just wouldn't happen at Tokyo Disneyland would it?

Some of the Belle yellow dresses that guests were wearing... they were as extravagant as the Disney-made ones for CMs. They really do go to town.

[TDLFAN]

Re: My First Ever WDW Trip Itnerary

TDLFAN... take me to Tokyo Disneyland... those Halloween pictures. Phwoar.

I am sure the kissing Belles got your kness shaking, didn't it??